Follow Us

Things to Know before Whitening Your Smile

Posted January 9, 2017.

Are your teeth stained or yellowed? Do you yearn for a brighter, whiter smile? Teeth whitening in Webb City, Missouri, may be for you. At our office, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening for your convenience. However, there are some things you should discuss with Dr. Kevin Caldwell before deciding to whiten your teeth.

The following can make teeth whitening less successful:

Sensitive TeethIf you have sensitive teeth or gums or receding gums, make sure you consult with Dr. Kevin Caldwell before whitening your teeth. Also, be sure to talk with our dentist if you have any faulty dental restorations.

Age & PregnancyTeeth whitening is not recommended for those under the age of 16. The pulp chamber of the tooth is enlarged until 16, and teeth whitening could irritate the pulp. Our dentist also does not recommend teeth whitening for those who are pregnant or lactating.

AllergiesThose who are allergic to peroxide should not whiten their teeth. Peroxide is the whitening agent.

Darkly Stained TeethYellowed teeth respond well to whitening products. However, brownish teeth do not respond as well and grayish or purplish teeth do not respond to whitening procedures at all. Talk to our dentist about other options to improve the appearance of your smile if you have darkly stained teeth.

Dental RestorationsDental restorations like bridges, crowns, and fillings will not respond to bleaching. Because of this, those with dental restorations that whiten their smile will have an uneven result. The teeth without restorations will appear lighter than those with restorations.

Feel free to contact our dental office today to learn more about teeth whitening and our other cosmetic dental services and to schedule a consultation.